✙ XIV ✙ [Action]

[neutralbyforce]

[To anyone out walking around the train station, you will run into a very tired but satisfied Nation. He's standing outside his finally finished home, smiling up at it with an affection normally reserved for his sister, his girlfriend, and his guns... not in any particular order

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[Action]

[unit_202]

[Not that 202 needs any more reason than usual to glance in the direction of Vash's new site, but the fact that he happens to be outside and working there in person as she heads back from the general store is more than excuse enough. Altering her course to take her more in the direction of his home than hers, she gives a soft whistle to alert the object of her affections as she approaches.]

I know they say that hard work is its own reward, but... [And she pauses, turning a fond eye on the house before turning a fonder one on the man responsible.] ...In this particular instance, I think it may not be the only one. You should be proud, I think.

[Action]

[neutralbyforce]

[At the whistle Vash looks up, his smile intensifying in warmth and affection upon spotting the source. His usual outfit has been replaced by a black tanktop and jeans, both splattered generously with various colors of paint. Hanging outside the cloth of his shirt is the key and tag she had given him, nestled comfortably behind the small steel cross that was the necklace’s original inhabitant.]

You like it, then?

[He pauses, smile turning a little shy.]

If you want to come inside, I have a gift for you. It’s not much, but… I think you’ll like it.

[unit_202]

I do. It's more than I had even imagined it could be-- I had no idea you were so skilled.

[202 steps closer, drawn in by that sweet smile and the sight of Vash in a tanktop and bluejeans, woof.]

...A gif...For me? You're going to spoil me, you know.

[neutralbyforce]

I'm glad to spoil you, my 202. You deserve it for tolerating me.

[Vash's smile grows and he turns to lead her into the house which will give her a good view of that backside wrapped in worn denim as he walks.]

I left it upstairs-- I didn't expect to see you. It's a wonderful surprise.

[He glances over his shoulder at her, beaming with pure warmth and love for her. Who knew, Switzerland is a derp when it comes to love.]

[unit_202]

[To say that 202 doesn't take a moment to appreciate the view of her lover's retreating backside would be a lie. To say she takes only a moment to do so would also be a lie. Either way, she follows close on Vash's heels as he heads upstairs, meeting his eyes with a smile to match his when he glances back. At least his love-derp is fairly equally-matched?]

You didn't need to interrupt your work, you know-- I was only passing by...

[neutralbyforce]

[If he ever found out the apparent affect his jeans had on her, he might never wear anything else. Vash opens the door to his small living area, just too big to be called a bedroom but too small to be much of anything else. On the bedside table is a small box, wrapped in red with a white ribbon. He picks it up carefully, even though the object inside isn't fragile-- but what it means, the giving of this present, is.]

You could never interrupt me, 202. Here, this is for you. It isn't much, but...

[unit_202]

[He wouldn't get to wear them for LONG, that much is certain. 202 blinks in surprise as she accepts the box, using one nail to slit the paper open delicately after sliding the ribbon free.]

If it's from you, my Vash, it's worth more to me than the rest of the world combined.

[Sliding the box from its paper confines, 202's eyes are on Vash's while she lets her hands work to open the tiny package.]

[neutralbyforce]

[Clothes are meant to be ripped off by werewolf girlfriends, duh. He grins as she opens it-- inside is a simple key nestled in white tissue paper.]

I told you it wasn't much... It's just the key to the back door. There's a staircase there that leads straight up here. Only you and I have copies of the key... So I guess it's a collector's item?

[He smiles, blushing a little, at his attempt at a joke.]

[unit_202]

[202 smiles warmly down at the little key, already more dear to her than anything she owns before she's even touched it. Taking it delicately in her fingertips, she aims that smile up at Vash as she reaches into her shirt for her one remaining dogtag and proceeds to add the key onto to its chain.]

I suppose it is.

[Once the key is settled on the chain she lets it fall to hang outside of her shirt, almost proudly-displayed, and reaches for Vash's hands with both of hers as she leans in to press a kiss to his jaw.]

And more valuable than I can say. Thank you, my Vash... I'm humbled by your trust.

[neutralbyforce]

[That smile? That kiss? Those both make him grin and blush softly like a moron. He twines his fingers with hers and holds them as he returns the kiss properly, as shy and tentative as the first time. This is a huge step for him, trusting anyone so deeply... and he's glad to know that she understands this.]

Of course. 202... I love you. I want to share everything with you.

[Especially his bed *shot*]

[unit_202]

[Because that will take so much convincing.

"Shy" and "tentative" are two feelings 202 can certainly understand at this juncture. She can't quite pinpoint why something as simple as a key can make her feel so simultaneously elated and anxious, but it does--The last time she remembers feeling that little flutter in her chest make itself quite so prevalent, they were both kneeling in cold coffee on her kitchen floor.]

I feel the same way... I hope you know that. I may not quite understand the finer points of it all just yet, but... Well, everything's better when you're there with me. I at least know that much.

[Smiling up at Vash, she gives his hands a gentle squeeze with hers, just enjoying what she knows will have to be a short-lived moment.]

[neutralbyforce]

[He returns the smile and gently leans in to place a tender kiss on her cheek.]

...I love you, 202. More than I can express with words... I love you.

[Biting his bottom lip, Vash takes a deep breath. Gathering his courage he looks into her eyes as he speaks.]

202... My sister is out and won't be back for a while... The door locked automatically behind us... And the walls are soundproof...

[Trailing off, he ducks his head, not really sure how to say what he's thinking or ask for what he wants.]

[unit_202]

[...Well. She thought it would have to be a short-lived moment. Meeting Vash's eyes as her smile widens in anticipation at his words, 202 ducks her head as well to maintain their eye contact before leaning in and brushing his lips softly with hers. The kiss is brief but tender, and when she draws back to meet his eyes again hers are already beginning to brighten around the edges with hints of gold.]

...Am I to conclude that you might perhaps like to try expressing such sentiments some other way, my Vash?

[neutralbyforce]

[Despite the color that reaches up to tinge his cheeks, Vash confirms her suspicions by pressing their lips together again, untangling his hands from hers to wrap his arms around her waist and pull her body against his.]

Yes, you are to conclude just that... if you don't mind.

[unit_202]

Never.

[The word is more breathed than spoken against Vash's lips, 202 unwilling to part from them for even a moment. Both of her hands wander up to loop her arms loosely around his neck, holding him close enough for her to maintain such contact when she continues.]

I confess, it's hard even to feel bad about keeping you from your work... But I don't.

[neutralbyforce]

You aren't keeping me from any work more important than this. I doubt such a thing exists, to be honest.

[He gently moves backwards towards the bed, careful to move slowly enough so as not to break an inch of contact with her. When he feels the edge of it pressed to the back of his legs he moves to sit down, pulling her with him.]

In fact, I know that there is nothing more important I could be doing than just this.